INSALATA TIEPIDA DI CECI E RUCOLA. Ancient Romans, rich or poor, were quite fond of chickpeas and consumed them frequently dressed in olive oil. Rucola – also called rocket or arugula – is cultivated only since a couple of decades but it has been collected in the wild as an edible herb for many centuries.

In a shallow saucepan warm olive oil and garlic until fragrant. Add chickpeas and cumin, simmer slowly until warm. Switch off heat, add tomatoes and rucola, season and transfer in a bowl to serve immediately. If the dish has to wait, cover to keep warm and add the rucola only before serving. Drizzle with good quality balsamic vinegar if desired.

Serves 2 as an appetizer or vegetarian main.

Optional: to make the salad more substantial, cook 125 gr./one cup farro in boiling water. Drain, toss with 2 tablespoon EVO oil and add to the chick peas. Serves 4